Lodge Casa Chueca — Hotel in Talca

When asked upon our return to the States, "What was the best part of your trip to Chile?", Shelley and I thought about the places we visited over our two-week stay in October of 2022. We spent time in three areas. We spent four days on Chiloe Island, off the coast of southern Chile, two and a half days in the Maule Valley, a couple hours south of Santiago, and we spent four days in the high desert at San Pedro de Atacama. All were uniquely beautiful in different ways. But it was the visit to Casa Chueca in the Maule Region and the trip to the mountains with Franz Schubert, President of the Trekkingchile Foundation, that was the trip highlight for us.

We arrived at Casa Chueca at 9 p.m., much later than planned, but were greeted warmly by Franz who soon asked if we had plans for the following day. He said the next day he was taking his newly arrived landscape architecture intern into the mountains to the east for the day and that there was plenty of room for the two of us to join them. He planned to scout out the area for condors, trekking/mountain climbing activities, snow, the passability of roads, and the advent of spring in the mountains. We couldn't refuse.

It was a long drive, but we didn't notice as we talked about Chile, about the nature we were seeing, the changing vegetation, the lakes, the towns, and eventually the mountains. It was a beautiful drive, especially once we got to the mountains, which were resplendent, still partially covered in gleaming snow. We stopped often to enjoy and photograph the special places Franz knew about. We saw mountains, passes, various geological formations, waterfalls, lakes, condors, mountain goats, a grey fox, as well as colorful flowers and bushes dressed in spring colors, all accompanied by Franz' explanations and stories about adventures he'd experienced in the areas we visited.

It was a wonderful day. We couldn't have had a better "tour" guide. Franz loves this area, and loves sharing its beauty with others, whether as a guide, an educator or an...

I stayed here for two nights in the dormitory, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. the room as very comfortable, wifi was good enough (most of the time) and the continental breakfast was lovely. ||||The property is a short cab ride from Talca (about 5000 pesos), and is ranch-like. It is beautifully constructed by the owners, who are still there and a very peaceful place to stay. But it was more like staying with a family than it was like staying in a hotel. Everyone was very pleasant and extremely helpful. Franz Schubert, one of the owners, is a trekking expert and had lots of advice as well as a very good free app he has created (Trekking Chile), ideal for anyone visiting Chile and interested in the environment. But more than that, he has made a small museum of the environment on the property and various others attractions which are now being visited by school children. Franz has also published several books related to the Chilean environment. An extraordinary achievement for German couple who came here many years ago and started from scratch. Various tours can be arranged, or help provided to do your own trekking; these people are experts.||||Evening meals are available, with everyone sitting together (as a family, and as for breakfast). Meals were vegetarian and delicious, with ample servings and access to beer and wine if you wish. Excellent food and great company. Staff speak Spanish, English and German well, and I got lots of help via email before arriving.||||A wonderful experience of genuine Chilean/German hospitality which I...

What a great getaway! Our son has been studying in Talca this year and we came to visit and wanted to stay out of the city and do some hiking. Casa Chueca was just the place. It is about 15 minutes from Talca so if you need to get into town, it is easy. ||||Casa Chueca is out away from the city. It is quiet and very restful. The rooms are very simple. There is not any air conditioning or internet in the rooms but that was not a problem for us. The main house has an eating area inside and an area outside where you can also eat. That's also where there is internet. The place is beautiful. You can hear the roosters crow. The place is kept up very well and at night, you feel very safe. ||||The dinner and the breakfast were vegetarian. The breakfast was good. We did not eat dinner at Casa Chueca because we wanted to see what eating places there were around Talca. ||||We reserved a hiking day with Costa y Cumbre Adventures and were met early in the morning at Casa Chueca by Frank, who is the guide for the hikes. We loved it.||||I recommend staying at Casa Chueca for everyone. We don't have young kids anymore but if we did, I would definitely recommend staying here since it's very kid friendly.||||One important thing is that payment has to be...